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협업하다

A2 verb 8 min read

협업하다

hyeobeopada

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 협업하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 협업하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '협업하다' as a fancy way to say 'work together.' While you might not use it every day, you will see it in simple titles or signs. Imagine you and your friend are drawing one big picture together. That is a form of '협업.' At this stage, just remember that '협' means together and '업' means work. If you see this word, it means people are not working alone; they are a team. You can use simple sentences like '우리는 협업해요' (We collaborate) to describe group activities in class. It is a good word to know because it shows you have a professional vocabulary, even as a beginner.

At the A2 level, you should start using '협업하다' to describe specific tasks or projects. You might use it when talking about a group homework assignment or a small project at work. For example, '친구와 숙제를 협업해요' (I collaborate on homework with a friend). At this level, you should also learn the particle '-와/과' which means 'with.' This is the most common way to use '협업하다.' You are moving beyond just 'doing things together' and starting to describe 'working together for a goal.' You might also see this word in K-pop news when two singers make a song together. It is a very useful word for describing partnerships in your hobbies or studies.

At the B1 level, '협업하다' becomes an essential part of your professional and academic vocabulary. You should be able to explain *why* and *how* you are collaborating. For instance, '우리는 더 좋은 결과를 위해 다른 팀과 협업하고 있습니다' (We are collaborating with another team for better results). You will encounter this word frequently in workplace emails and announcements. You should also understand the noun form '협업' and how it can be used with other verbs, like '협업을 요청하다' (to request collaboration). At this stage, you can distinguish between '협업' and simple '도움' (help), recognizing that collaboration involves a mutual exchange of effort and skill.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '협업하다' in complex sentence structures and formal contexts. You can use it to discuss business strategies, creative processes, and social issues. You should be able to use adverbs like '긴밀히' (closely) or '효율적으로' (efficiently) to describe the nature of the collaboration. For example, '글로벌 기업과 긴밀히 협업하여 시장을 확대했습니다' (We expanded the market by collaborating closely with a global company). You should also be aware of related terms like '시너지' (synergy) and '제휴' (alliance), and be able to explain the benefits of collaboration in a debate or presentation. This is the level where you use '협업하다' to sound like a professional adult in a Korean-speaking environment.

At the C1 level, you can use '협업하다' to discuss abstract concepts and high-level strategic partnerships. You understand the historical and cultural nuances of the word, including its Hanja roots and its role in the evolving Korean work culture. You can use it in academic papers or business reports to describe 'interdisciplinary collaboration' (학제 간 협업) or 'cross-industry collaboration' (산업 간 협업). You are also capable of using it in rhetorical ways, such as discussing the 'necessity of collaboration in the age of AI.' Your usage of the word is precise, and you can easily switch between synonyms like '공조,' '협력,' and '합작' depending on the exact nuance required by the context.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '협업하다' is indistinguishable from a native speaker's. You can use it in any context, from high-stakes diplomatic negotiations to deep philosophical discussions about human nature and collective effort. You can analyze the evolution of '협업' in Korean society, perhaps discussing how the shift from '협동' (collectivist cooperation) to '협업' (professional collaboration) reflects broader social changes. You can use the word in complex idiomatic expressions or create your own metaphors involving collaboration. In professional settings, you lead discussions on how to foster a '협업 문화' (collaboration culture) and can articulate the micro and macro-economic impacts of successful collaboration on a global scale.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

협업하다 in 30 Seconds

협업하다 means 'to collaborate' or 'to work together' in a professional or creative context.
It is a formal '하다' verb derived from Hanja, meaning 'harmonizing work' (協 + 業).
It is commonly used in business meetings, K-pop news, and university group projects.
It differs from '협력' (broad cooperation) by focusing specifically on the joint work process.

The Korean verb 협업하다 (hyeobeop-hada) is a sophisticated and professional term used to describe the act of working together with others to achieve a specific, often creative or business-oriented, goal. Unlike the more general term '같이 일하다' (to work together), 협업하다 specifically implies a strategic partnership where different parties bring their unique skills to the table. In modern Korea, especially within the 'Pangyo Techno Valley' tech hubs and the globalized K-pop industry, this word has become a cornerstone of professional discourse. It suggests a level of synergy where the final result is greater than the sum of its parts.

Professional Context: In a corporate setting, 협업하다 refers to cross-departmental projects or partnerships between two separate companies. It is the standard term for 'collaboration' in business proposals and meetings.
Creative Context: In the arts, such as music or fashion, it describes two artists joining forces. For instance, when a K-pop idol works with a Western producer, they are said to '협업' to create a new sound.

저희 회사는 이번 프로젝트를 위해 해외 디자인 스튜디오와 협업하기로 했습니다. (Our company decided to collaborate with an overseas design studio for this project.)

The term is composed of two Hanja (Chinese characters): 協 (협), meaning 'to cooperate' or 'to harmonize,' and 業 (업), meaning 'work' or 'business.' Therefore, the literal meaning is 'harmonizing work.' This linguistic root highlights the Korean cultural emphasis on harmony and collective effort. While Western collaboration often emphasizes individual contribution, 협업하다 in a Korean context frequently involves a deep integration of workflows and a shared responsibility for the outcome. You will hear this word constantly in news reports about economic alliances, interviews with creative directors, and in university settings when discussing advanced research projects.

유명한 가수들이 서로 협업하여 새로운 앨범을 발표했습니다. (Famous singers collaborated with each other to release a new album.)

Academic Use: In universities, professors from different disciplines 협업하다 to conduct interdisciplinary research, bridging the gap between science and humanities.

효율적인 협업을 위해 소통이 가장 중요합니다. (Communication is the most important thing for effective collaboration.)

우리는 클라우드 도구를 사용하여 실시간으로 협업합니다. (We collaborate in real-time using cloud tools.)

Using 협업하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical particles and typical sentence structures. Because it involves multiple parties, you will almost always see it paired with particles like -와/과 (with) or -끼리 (among/between). It is a '하다' verb, meaning it follows the standard conjugation patterns for verbs ending in '하다'. In formal reports, it is often nominalized as '협업' to function as a subject or object.

With Particles: The most common structure is '[Person/Group] + 와/과 협업하다'. For example, '마케팅 팀과 협업하다' (to collaborate with the marketing team).
Purpose Clauses: To describe the goal, use the structure '[Goal] + 를 위해 협업하다'. For example, '신제품 개발을 위해 협업하다' (to collaborate for new product development).

여러 전문가가 협업하여 문제를 해결했습니다. (Several experts collaborated to solve the problem.)

When discussing the *way* you collaborate, adverbs like '긴밀히' (closely), '적극적으로' (actively), or '성공적으로' (successfully) are frequently employed. For instance, '긴밀히 협업하다' (to collaborate closely) is a phrase you will see in almost every corporate press release regarding a new partnership. In social media or casual professional contexts, you might see the English loanword '콜라보' (collab) used as a noun, but '협업하다' remains the proper, versatile verb form.

두 회사는 기술 제휴를 통해 협업할 계획입니다. (The two companies plan to collaborate through a technical alliance.)

Adverbial Usage: Using '함께' (together) with '협업하다' might feel redundant to some, but it is often used for emphasis: '함께 협업하며 성장합시다' (Let's grow while collaborating together).

우리는 서로의 강점을 살려 협업해야 합니다. (We must collaborate by leveraging each other's strengths.)

In terms of tense, '협업했다' (collaborated) is used for finished projects, while '협업합시다' (let's collaborate) is a common suggestion in business meetings. If you are describing a collaborative environment, you might use the adjective form '협업적인' (collaborative), as in '협업적인 분위기' (a collaborative atmosphere). This word is highly productive and can be adjusted to fit various levels of politeness, from the formal '협업합니다' to the polite '협업해요'.

If you are in Korea or consuming Korean media, you will encounter 협업하다 in several specific environments. First and foremost is the corporate world. From small startups to conglomerates like Samsung or LG, '협업' is a buzzword. It appears on recruitment posters ('Looking for someone who can collaborate'), in internal Slack channels, and during performance reviews. It signifies a move away from the traditional top-down hierarchy toward a more horizontal, team-based approach.

The Entertainment Industry: When two famous actors from different agencies star in a drama together, or when a fashion brand releases a limited edition with an artist, the news headlines will invariably use the term '협업'.
News and Media: Economic news often reports on '민관 협업' (Public-private collaboration), where the government and private companies work together on infrastructure or social issues.

이번 앨범은 세계적인 프로듀서와 협업하여 완성도를 높였습니다. (This album was completed by collaborating with world-class producers, increasing its quality.)

You will also hear this word in educational settings. Modern Korean education is shifting toward '협력 학습' (cooperative learning) and '협업 프로젝트' (collaborative projects). Students are taught from a young age that the ability to collaborate is a key competency for the future. Consequently, university students frequently use this word when discussing their '팀플' (team projects/group work). If someone says, '우리 같이 협업해볼까요?' (Shall we try collaborating?), they are proposing a serious, structured joint effort.

정부와 기업이 협업하여 일자리 창출에 힘쓰고 있습니다. (The government and businesses are collaborating to strive for job creation.)

Online Platforms: On YouTube or Twitch, creators often '협업' for special content, though they might use the slangier '합방' (joint broadcast) for the actual stream.

디자이너와 개발자가 협업하면 더 좋은 앱을 만들 수 있습니다. (When designers and developers collaborate, they can create better apps.)

One of the most common mistakes learners make with 협업하다 is using it in contexts that are too casual. While it means 'to work together,' it carries a professional weight. For example, if you are simply going to the grocery store with a friend, you would never say '친구와 마트에 가기 위해 협업했다'. Instead, you would use '같이 갔다'. Using 협업하다 in trivial situations sounds unnaturally formal or even sarcastic.

Confusing with '도와주다': Learners often use 협업하다 when they actually mean 'to help' (도와주다). 협업 implies a two-way street where both parties contribute equally. If one person is just assisting another, '도와주다' is more appropriate.
Particle Errors: Using the object particle '-를' with the person you are collaborating with is a mistake. You don't 'collaborate someone'; you collaborate *with* someone. Therefore, '친구를 협업하다' is wrong; '친구와 협업하다' is correct.

Wrong: 나는 동생을 협업해서 청소를 했다. (Incorrect use for simple chores and wrong particle.)

Another nuance to watch out for is the difference between '협업' (collaboration) and '협동' (cooperation). While they are similar, '협동' (hyeop-dong) is often used for physical tasks or group activities that require unity, like a tug-of-war or a community clean-up. '협업' is more specifically about 'work' (業) and professional output. If you use '협동' in a business presentation about a software merger, it might sound a bit childish, like you're talking about a school field day.

Right: 두 부서가 협업하여 보고서를 작성했습니다. (Correct: Professional context, joint project.)

Pronunciation Pitfall: Be careful not to pronounce it as '협업해' with a strong 'p' sound. The 'ㅂ' followed by 'ㅎ' often results in a slightly aspirated 'p' sound [혀법파다], but in standard speech, it flows smoothly.

Wrong: 우리 같이 점심 먹으러 협업할까요? (Incorrect: You don't 'collaborate' to eat lunch.)

Korean has several words that translate to 'working together' or 'cooperating.' Understanding the subtle differences between 협업하다 and its synonyms will greatly improve your fluency. The most common alternatives are 협력하다, 협동하다, and 공조하다. Each has a specific niche in the Korean language.

협업하다 vs. 협력하다: '협력하다' (hyeop-ryeok-hada) is broader. It means to help each other or cooperate in a general sense. While '협업' is specifically about the *work process* (collaboration), '협력' is about the *spirit of cooperation*. You can '협력' by providing resources, but you '협업' by actually working side-by-side on a task.
협업하다 vs. 협동하다: '협동하다' (hyeop-dong-hada) often refers to group unity and collective action. It is frequently used in community contexts or for physical activities (like '협동 조합' - a cooperative). It feels less 'office-like' than '협업'.

국제 사회가 기후 변화에 대응하기 위해 협력하고 있습니다. (The international community is cooperating to respond to climate change - Broad spirit.)

Another interesting alternative is '공조하다' (gong-jo-hada). This is a very formal term often used in law enforcement or politics, meaning 'to coordinate' or 'to act in concert.' You might hear it in news about '국제 공조' (international coordination) to catch a criminal. For business-to-business partnerships, '제휴하다' (je-hyu-hada - to form an alliance) is also common. If you are specifically talking about a joint venture between companies, '합작하다' (hap-jak-hada) is the most precise term.

두 부서 간의 공조가 원활하게 이루어지고 있습니다. (Coordination between the two departments is taking place smoothly.)

Casual Alternatives: If you want to be casual, just use '같이 해요' (Let's do it together) or '힘을 합쳐요' (Let's join forces). These are much more natural for everyday life.

모두가 협동하여 마을 축제를 준비했습니다. (Everyone cooperated/worked as a group to prepare for the village festival.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 協 (협) contains three 'strength' (力) characters, visually representing multiple people putting their strength together around a central point.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /hjʌ.bʌp.ha.da/

US /hjʌ.bʌp.ha.da/

In Korean, stress is generally even across syllables, but a slight emphasis may be placed on the first syllable '협' to initiate the word clearly.

Rhymes With

취업하다 (chwibeop-hada - to get a job) 수업하다 (su-eop-hada - to have class) 작업하다 (jag-eop-hada - to work/operate) 개업하다 (gae-eop-hada - to open a business) 폐업하다 (pye-eop-hada - to close a business) 졸업하다 (jol-eop-hada - to graduate) 부업하다 (bu-eop-hada - to have a side job) 창업하다 (chang-eop-hada - to start a business)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'hyeop' as 'hyop' (missing the 'eo' vowel).
Releasing the 'p' sound too strongly at the end of 'hyeop' and 'eop'.
Confusing the 'eo' sound with 'o'.
Pronouncing it as four distinct, choppy syllables instead of a fluid word.
Over-aspirating the 'h' in 'hada'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The Hanja roots are common, and the word appears frequently in news and business.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct usage of particles like -와/과 and understanding the formal nuance.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but it sounds awkward if used in too casual a context.

Listening 2/5

Clearly articulated in professional settings, though can be fast in news reports.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

하다 일하다 친구 우리 같이

Learn Next

협력하다 제휴하다 상생 시너지 프로젝트

Advanced

학제 간 연구 민관 협력 상호 호혜 공조 체제

Grammar to Know

Particle -와/과 (With)

동료와 협업해요.

Purpose -기 위해 (In order to)

성공하기 위해 협업합니다.

Conditional -(으)면 (If/When)

협업하면 더 좋습니다.

Formal Ending -(으)ㅂ시다 (Let's)

함께 협업합시다.

Noun Modifier -는 (Present participle)

협업하는 사람들

Examples by Level

우리는 같이 협업해요.

We collaborate together.

Simple present tense with '해요'.

친구와 협업합니다.

I collaborate with a friend.

Formal present tense ending '-습니다'.

협업은 좋아요.

Collaboration is good.

Noun form '협업' used as a subject.

우리 팀은 협업해요.

Our team collaborates.

Possessive '우리' (our) with the noun '팀' (team).

선생님과 협업해요.

I collaborate with the teacher.

Particle '-과' used for 'with' after a consonant.

모두 협업합시다!

Let's all collaborate!

Propositive ending '-읍시다' (let's).

협업은 재미있어요.

Collaboration is fun.

Adjective '재미있다' (to be fun/interesting).

여기서 협업해요.

We collaborate here.

Location particle '-에서'.

숙제를 위해 친구와 협업했어요.

I collaborated with a friend for homework.

Past tense '-았/었어요' and purpose '-를 위해'.

그 가수는 다른 가수와 협업해요.

That singer collaborates with another singer.

Demonstrative '그' (that) and particle '-와'.

우리는 새로운 앱을 협업해요.

We are collaborating on a new app.

Object particle '-을' used for the project.

팀원들과 협업하는 것이 중요해요.

Collaborating with team members is important.

Gerund form '-하는 것' (the act of doing).

내일 회사에서 협업할 거예요.

I will collaborate at the company tomorrow.

Future tense '-(으)ㄹ 거예요'.

우리는 온라인으로 협업해요.

We collaborate online.

Method particle '-으로' (by/via).

협업하면 더 빨리 끝나요.

If we collaborate, it finishes faster.

Conditional ending '-(으)면' (if/when).

서로 협업해서 만들었어요.

We made it by collaborating with each other.

Sequential/Causal ending '-아서/어서'.

마케팅 부서와 협업하여 매출을 올렸습니다.

We increased sales by collaborating with the marketing department.

Formal '-습니다' and conjunctive '-하여' (and then/by).

효율적인 협업을 위해 규칙이 필요합니다.

Rules are necessary for efficient collaboration.

Adjective '효율적인' (efficient) modifying '협업'.

이번 프로젝트는 해외 지사와 협업할 예정입니다.

This project is scheduled to collaborate with the overseas branch.

'-ㄹ 예정입니다' (be scheduled/planned to).

협업을 요청하기 위해 이메일을 보냈어요.

I sent an email to request collaboration.

'-기 위해' (in order to) with the verb '요청하다'.

서로의 의견을 존중하며 협업해야 합니다.

We must collaborate while respecting each other's opinions.

Simultaneous action '-(으)며' and necessity '-해야 하다'.

우리는 클라우드 도구를 통해 실시간으로 협업해요.

We collaborate in real-time through cloud tools.

'-를 통해' (through/via) and '실시간으로' (in real-time).

성공적인 협업 덕분에 프로젝트가 잘 끝났어요.

Thanks to successful collaboration, the project ended well.

'- 덕분에' (thanks to) with the noun '협업'.

협업할 파트너를 찾고 있습니다.

I am looking for a partner to collaborate with.

Present progressive '-고 있다' and future participle '-ㄹ'.

긴밀한 협업을 통해 혁신적인 제품을 개발했습니다.

We developed an innovative product through close collaboration.

Adjective '긴밀한' (close/intimate) and '혁신적인' (innovative).

타 부서와의 협업 과정에서 갈등이 생길 수 있습니다.

Conflicts can arise during the collaboration process with other departments.

Noun '과정' (process) and possibility '-(으)ㄹ 수 있다'.

다양한 전문가들이 협업하여 시너지를 창출하고 있습니다.

Various experts are collaborating to create synergy.

Verb '창출하다' (to create/generate) in progressive form.

이번 전시는 예술가와 기술자의 협업으로 탄생했습니다.

This exhibition was born from the collaboration of artists and technicians.

Passive-style '탄생했다' (was born/created).

원활한 협업을 위해서는 소통 채널의 단일화가 필요합니다.

For smooth collaboration, unification of communication channels is necessary.

Adjective '원활한' (smooth) and noun '단일화' (unification).

협업의 중요성을 강조하는 워크숍을 열었습니다.

We held a workshop emphasizing the importance of collaboration.

Participle '-하는' modifying '워크숍'.

우리는 경쟁보다는 협업을 통해 동반 성장하기로 했습니다.

We decided to grow together through collaboration rather than competition.

'-보다는' (rather than) and '-기로 하다' (decide to).

협업 툴을 도입한 이후 업무 효율이 20% 향상되었습니다.

Since introducing the collaboration tool, work efficiency has improved by 20%.

'-ㄴ 이후' (after/since) and '향상되다' (to be improved).

학제 간 협업은 복잡한 현대 사회의 문제를 해결하는 열쇠입니다.

Interdisciplinary collaboration is the key to solving complex problems in modern society.

Noun phrase '학제 간' (interdisciplinary).

민관 협업을 통해 공공 서비스의 질을 획기적으로 개선했습니다.

We drastically improved the quality of public services through public-private collaboration.

Adverb '획기적으로' (drastically/groundbreakingly).

기업 간의 전략적 협업이 시장의 판도를 바꾸고 있습니다.

Strategic collaboration between companies is changing the market landscape.

Noun phrase '시장의 판도' (market landscape/dynamics).

협업 과정에서 발생하는 이해관계의 충돌을 조정하는 것이 관건입니다.

The key is to mediate the conflict of interests that arises during the collaboration process.

Noun '이해관계' (interests) and '관건' (key/crucial point).

오픈 소스 프로젝트는 전 세계 개발자들의 자발적인 협업으로 유지됩니다.

Open-source projects are maintained by the voluntary collaboration of developers worldwide.

Adjective '자발적인' (voluntary) and passive '유지됩니다'.

지속 가능한 발전을 위해서는 국가 간의 긴밀한 협업이 필수적입니다.

For sustainable development, close collaboration between nations is essential.

Noun phrase '지속 가능한 발전' (sustainable development).

디지털 전환 시대에 협업 역량은 개인의 가장 큰 경쟁력입니다.

In the era of digital transformation, collaboration capability is an individual's greatest competitiveness.

Noun '역량' (capability/competency).

협업의 성과는 투명한 정보 공유와 상호 신뢰에 기반합니다.

The results of collaboration are based on transparent information sharing and mutual trust.

'-에 기반하다' (to be based on).

집단 지성의 발현은 유기적인 협업 구조가 전제될 때 가능합니다.

The manifestation of collective intelligence is possible when an organic collaboration structure is presupposed.

Advanced vocabulary like '집단 지성' (collective intelligence) and '발현' (manifestation).

협업은 단순한 노동의 결합을 넘어 가치의 공동 창출을 지향합니다.

Collaboration goes beyond a simple combination of labor and aims for the co-creation of value.

'-을 넘어' (beyond) and '지향하다' (to aim for/be oriented toward).

초연결 사회에서 협업은 선택이 아닌 생존을 위한 필수 전략입니다.

In a hyper-connected society, collaboration is not a choice but an essential strategy for survival.

'A가 아닌 B' (not A but B) structure.

상호 호혜적인 협업 관계를 구축함으로써 지속적인 혁신을 도모할 수 있습니다.

By building a mutually beneficial collaborative relationship, we can promote continuous innovation.

Adjective '상호 호혜적인' (mutually beneficial) and '도모하다' (to promote/plan).

협업의 패러다임이 수직적 통제에서 수평적 공유로 전환되고 있습니다.

The paradigm of collaboration is shifting from vertical control to horizontal sharing.

Noun '패러다임' (paradigm) and '전환되다' (to be shifted/transformed).

복합적인 글로벌 위기 상황은 전 지구적 차원의 협업을 요구하고 있습니다.

The complex global crisis situation is demanding collaboration on a global scale.

Noun phrase '전 지구적 차원' (global scale/dimension).

인간과 AI의 협업은 창의성의 새로운 지평을 열어줄 것으로 기대됩니다.

Collaboration between humans and AI is expected to open new horizons for creativity.

Noun phrase '새로운 지평' (new horizons) and passive '기대됩니다'.

협업의 성패는 구성원 간의 심리적 안전감과 개방적인 소통에 달려 있습니다.

The success or failure of collaboration depends on the psychological safety among members and open communication.

Noun '성패' (success or failure) and '-에 달려 있다' (depends on).

Common Collocations

긴밀히 협업하다

성공적으로 협업하다

부서 간 협업

협업 툴을 사용하다

협업 관계를 맺다

적극적으로 협업하다

협업 프로젝트

글로벌 협업

실시간 협업

협업의 성과

Common Phrases

협업을 요청하다

— To request collaboration. Used when asking another person or team to work with you.

타 부서에 협업을 요청했습니다.

협업이 잘 되다

— Collaboration is going well. Used to describe a smooth working relationship.

우리 팀은 협업이 아주 잘 돼요.

협업을 강화하다

— To strengthen collaboration. Often used in business strategies.

계열사 간의 협업을 강화할 계획입니다.

협업의 가치

— The value of collaboration. Used in motivational or educational contexts.

우리는 협업의 가치를 믿습니다.

협업을 제안하다

— To suggest/propose collaboration. Used in initial partnership discussions.

먼저 협업을 제안해 주셔서 감사합니다.

협업을 중단하다

— To stop/discontinue collaboration. Used when a partnership ends.

의견 차이로 인해 협업을 중단하기로 했습니다.

협업을 이끌다

— To lead collaboration. Used for managers or facilitators.

팀장이 부서원들의 협업을 잘 이끌고 있습니다.

협업을 장려하다

— To encourage collaboration. Used in organizational policy contexts.

회사는 자유로운 협업을 장려합니다.

협업을 통해

— Through collaboration. A very common way to start a sentence about results.

협업을 통해 더 큰 성과를 낼 수 있습니다.

협업의 기회

— Opportunity for collaboration. Used in networking.

앞으로 더 많은 협업의 기회가 있기를 바랍니다.

Often Confused With

협업하다 vs 협력하다

Broad cooperation or helping. '협업' is more about the specific work task.

협업하다 vs 협동하다

Group unity, often for physical or school-based activities.

협업하다 vs 같이 일하다

The casual version. Use '협업하다' to sound more professional.

Idioms & Expressions

"백지장도 맞들면 낫다"

— Even a piece of paper is lighter when lifted together. This is the classic Korean idiom for the power of collaboration.

백지장도 맞들면 낫다고 하니, 우리 같이 협업해 봐요.

Common Idiom

"손뼉도 마주쳐야 소리가 난다"

— It takes two hands to clap. Used to say that collaboration or conflict requires two willing parties.

협업도 손뼉도 마주쳐야 소리가 나는 법이지요.

Proverb

"구슬이 서 말이라도 꿰어야 보배"

— Even if you have three containers of beads, they are only a treasure if you string them together. Implies that individual skills (beads) need collaboration (stringing) to be valuable.

우리 팀원들의 능력을 협업으로 꿰어야 보배가 됩니다.

Proverb

"십시일반 (十匙一飯)"

— Ten spoons of rice make one bowl. It means if many people contribute a little, they can help one person or achieve a goal.

십시일반으로 협업하여 어려운 이웃을 도왔습니다.

Hanja Idiom

"일심동체 (一心同體)"

— One mind, one body. Used to describe a group that is collaborating so perfectly they act as one.

우리 팀은 일심동체가 되어 협업하고 있습니다.

Hanja Idiom

"상부상조 (相扶相助)"

— Mutual help and mutual aid. A traditional term for community collaboration.

상부상조하는 마음으로 협업합시다.

Hanja Idiom

"동고동락 (同苦同樂)"

— Sharing bitter and sweet. Collaborating through both hard times and good times.

우리는 지난 1년간 동고동락하며 협업해 왔습니다.

Hanja Idiom

"환상적인 호흡"

— Fantastic breathing (chemistry). Used to describe two people who collaborate perfectly.

두 배우는 환상적인 호흡으로 협업을 보여주었습니다.

Metaphor

"시너지를 내다"

— To create synergy. The modern business equivalent of successful collaboration.

협업을 통해 최고의 시너지를 냅시다.

Modern/Business

"손발이 맞다"

— Hands and feet match. To have great teamwork/collaboration.

우리 팀은 손발이 잘 맞아서 협업하기 편해요.

Casual Idiom

Easily Confused

협업하다 vs 협력 (Cooperation)

Both involve working together.

협력 is the spirit of helping; 협업 is the actual process of working on a project together. You can cooperate by giving money (협력), but you collaborate by working on the design (협업).

우리는 자금 지원을 통해 협력하고, 기술 개발을 위해 협업합니다.

협업하다 vs 협동 (Joint Effort)

Both imply a group effort.

협동 is often used for community or physical tasks (like a cooperative). 협업 is the modern word for professional or creative work.

마을 사람들이 협동하여 길을 닦고, 전문가들이 협업하여 지도를 만듭니다.

협업하다 vs 공조 (Coordination)

Both involve multiple parties working together.

공조 is very formal and often used in law or politics (coordinating an investigation). 협업 is used for business and creativity.

경찰의 공조 수사와 연구원들의 협업 연구.

협업하다 vs 합작 (Joint Venture)

Both mean working together to make something.

합작 usually refers to the final product or a legal business entity (a joint venture). 협업 is the verb for the act of working together.

두 회사의 합작 법인이 협업을 시작했습니다.

협업하다 vs 제휴 (Alliance)

Both imply a partnership.

제휴 is more about the formal agreement or alliance between companies. 협업 is the actual working together that happens after the alliance is formed.

전략적 제휴를 맺고 실무팀이 협업에 들어갔습니다.

Sentence Patterns

A와 B가 협업해요.

민수와 지수가 협업해요.

[Object]를 위해 협업해요.

축제를 위해 협업해요.

[Method]를 통해 협업하다.

인터넷을 통해 협업하다.

[Adverb] 협업하고 있다.

긴밀히 협업하고 있다.

[Abstract Noun] 간의 협업.

부서 간의 협업.

[Concept]에 기반한 협업.

신뢰에 기반한 협업.

General

협업을 요청하다.

그들에게 협업을 요청했어요.

General

협업이 중요하다.

현대 사회에서는 협업이 중요합니다.

Word Family

Nouns

협업 (collaboration)

협업자 (collaborator)

협업체 (collaborative body/organization)

협업물 (collaborative work/product)

Verbs

협업하다 (to collaborate)

Adjectives

협업적 (collaborative - noun used as adjective)

협업적인 (collaborative)

협력 (cooperation)

협동 (joint effort)

업무 (work/task)

협의 (consultation)

공조 (coordination)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in professional, academic, and creative contexts. Lower in daily household chores.

Common Mistakes

Using '협업하다' for casual hanging out. → 친구와 같이 놀아요.
'협업하다' is for work or projects. You don't 'collaborate' to go to a movie or have dinner unless it's for a food review project.
Using the object particle with the person (친구를 협업하다). → 친구와 협업하다.
You collaborate *with* someone. In Korean, this requires the particle -와/과 or -하고.
Confusing '협업' (collaboration) with '취업' (getting a job). → 협업 (collaboration), 취업 (employment).
They sound similar because they both end in '업' (work), but '협' is cooperation and '취' is obtaining.
Using '협업' when you just mean 'help'. → 도와주세요.
Collaboration is a two-way street. If you just need someone to do something for you, '도와주다' is correct.
Pronouncing the 'p' in 'hyeop' too strongly. → [hyeob-eop-ha-da]
The 'ㅂ' is an unreleased stop. Don't add an extra vowel sound like 'hyeop-peu'.

Tips

Use in Resumes

Always use '협업 역량' (collaboration capability) on your Korean resume. It is one of the top qualities Korean employers look for.

Noun vs. Verb

In titles of documents, use the noun '협업' (e.g., '마케팅팀 협업 계획'). In sentences, use the verb '협업하다'.

K-pop Lingo

When you see 'Collabo' in a K-pop title, remember the proper Korean term is '협업'. This will help you read Korean entertainment news more easily.

Sounding Professional

If someone asks how you finished a project, say '팀원들과 협업해서 끝냈습니다'. It sounds much more impressive than '같이 했어요'.

Adverb Pairing

Pair '협업하다' with '긴밀히' (closely) to sound like a native business professional in your writing.

Check the 'Up'

Remember the '업' (eop) in 협업 means work. If there's no 'work' or 'task' involved, '협업' might not be the right word.

Related Hanja

Learning '업' (work) will help you with words like '직업' (job) and '사업' (business). Learning '협' (cooperate) helps with '협력' and '협의'.

Proposing a Collab

When proposing a collaboration, always mention the shared goal (e.g., '~를 위해 협업하고 싶습니다') to show you have a clear plan.

Collaboration Tools

In Korea, tools like Notion, Slack, and Jandi are called '협업 툴'. Knowing this helps you navigate Korean software interfaces.

News Keywords

When you hear '협업' on the news, pay attention to the word right before it; it usually tells you who is working together.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Hyeop' as 'Help' and 'Eop' as 'Up'. When we 협업, we 'Help' each other 'Up' the career ladder through work.

Visual Association

Imagine two gears (Hyeop and Eop) interlocking to turn a large machine. Without both gears working together, the machine (the project) won't move.

Word Web

Teamwork Partnership Project Synergy Business Art Hanja Success

Challenge

Try to use '협업하다' instead of '같이 일하다' three times today when talking about your work or studies.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja) roots. The word has been used in academic and professional contexts for decades but saw a massive surge in popularity in the 2010s with the rise of tech startups and global pop culture collaborations.

Original meaning: Harmonizing/Combining (協) + Work/Business (業).

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

None. It is a very safe and positive professional term.

In English, 'collaboration' can sometimes imply 'collaboration with the enemy' in historical contexts, but in Korean, '협업' is almost exclusively positive and professional.

BTS's various '협업' with global artists like Coldplay or Halsey. Samsung and Google's '협업' on the Android platform. The '협업' between famous Korean chefs on variety shows like 'Chef & My Fridge'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Office

다른 팀과 협업해야 해요.
협업 툴을 설치했나요?
협업 프로세스를 개선합시다.
성공적인 협업을 기대합니다.

University Life

이번 과제는 협업으로 진행됩니다.
팀원들과 어떻게 협업할까요?
협업이 잘 안 돼서 힘들어요.
효율적인 협업 방법이 있을까요?

Music/Arts Industry

유명 작가와 협업한 작품입니다.
다음 앨범에서 협업하고 싶은 가수가 있나요?
브랜드와의 협업 제품이 출시되었습니다.
예술적 협업은 언제나 즐겁습니다.

Technology/IT

실시간 협업 기능을 추가했습니다.
오픈 소스 협업이 활발합니다.
개발자와 디자이너의 협업이 중요해요.
클라우드 기반 협업 환경을 구축했습니다.

Government/News

정부는 민간 기업과 협업할 것입니다.
국가 간의 협업이 필요한 시점입니다.
지역 사회와의 협업을 추진합니다.
글로벌 협업을 통해 위기를 극복합시다.

Conversation Starters

"이번 프로젝트에서 우리 팀과 협업해 주실 수 있나요?"

"가장 기억에 남는 협업 경험이 무엇인가요?"

"협업할 때 가장 중요하게 생각하는 가치는 무엇입니까?"

"어떤 종류의 협업 툴을 주로 사용하시나요?"

"새로운 아티스트와 협업한다면 누구와 하고 싶으세요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 동료와 협업하면서 느낀 점을 적어보세요. (Write about what you felt while collaborating with a colleague today.)

성공적인 협업을 위해 나에게 필요한 역량은 무엇일까요? (What competencies do I need for successful collaboration?)

협업이 경쟁보다 나은 이유는 무엇이라고 생각합니까? (Why do you think collaboration is better than competition?)

미래의 사회에서 협업은 어떤 모습일지 상상해 보세요. (Imagine what collaboration will look like in future society.)

내가 꿈꾸는 완벽한 협업 파트너의 조건을 써보세요. (Write down the conditions for your perfect collaboration partner.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Rarely. It sounds too formal. Use '같이 집안일 해요' instead. If you use '협업하다' for cleaning the house, it sounds like you are treating it like a corporate project.

Yes, you can '협업' with one person or a large group. The number of people doesn't matter, but the professional/structured nature of the work does.

'협업' is the standard Korean word. '콜라보' is a shortened loanword from 'collaboration.' '콜라보' is very trendy in marketing and music, while '협업' is better for formal business reports.

You can say '당신과 협업하고 싶습니다' (formal) or '선생님과 협업하고 싶어요' (polite). Using the person's title is better than saying '당신'.

'협업' is a noun. '협업하다' is the verb. You can use both, but '협업하다' is more common when describing the action.

Usually, yes. It suggests that both parties are bringing something valuable to the table and working as partners.

Use '-와' or '-과'. For example: '삼성과 협업하다' (Collaborate with Samsung).

Not usually. For sports, '팀워크' (teamwork) or '협동' (cooperation) is more common. '협업' is tied to '업' (work/business).

If you work in an office or study at a university, you will hear it every day. In a casual home setting, it is less common.

The Hanja is 協 (cooperate) and 業 (work/business).